Hernia-support.



W. BUTTERLY.

HERNXA SUPPORT.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4. 1915.

Patented June 19, 1917.

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WILLIAM BUTTERLY, OF LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.

HERNIA-SUPIPORT.

' Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 19, 1917.

Application filed September 4, 1915. Serial No. 48,995.

- England, have invented new and useful Improvements in Hernia-Supports, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to hernia supports and it consists in the novel features herein after described and claimed.

An object of the invention is to provide a. device of simple structural arrangement adapted to be applied to the base of the scrotum, and which is provided with pads adapted to bear against the hernia or rupture or inguinal canal.

With this object in view the structure includes a resilient 'U-shaped frame having out-standing ends which are padded. The

frame is also provided with suitable padding, and a pouch depends from the'intermediate portion of the frame and may receive the scrotum.

While the device is intended primarily as a hernia support, it may also be used as a suspensory and means for preventing hernia in that when it is applied pressure is exerted upon the inguinal canal at its openings and along the length thereof, thus preventing the abdominal contents from entering the canal and producing hernia. Inasmuch as the device is provided with means for supporting the scrotum and its contents it will prevent varicocele, hydrocele and orchitis. Therefore the appliance not only serves as means for alleviating rupture, but it also acts as a preventive for developing any of the above mentioned troubles.

In the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a side elevation of the support with parts in section.

Fig. 2 is a detail edge elevation with parts in section.

The support includes a resilient approximately U-shaped frame 1 of metal having at its ends out-standing loops 2. The end portions of the sides of the frame 1 are disposed inwardly toward each other whereby the intermediate portion of the frame issubstantially ovate in side elevation. Pads 3 are applied to the loops 9,. The said pads may be in the form of cushions or may be pneumatic pads as desired. Padding 4L surrounds the intermediate portion of the frame and may be of any suitable material, as for instance, cotton.

When applied the intermediate portion of the frame 1 receives the base of the scrotum and the pads 3 may bear against the hernia and the inguinal canal, and exercise sufficient pressure upon the same to maintain them in proper position and condition.

A pouch 5 of openwork material depends from the intermediate portion of the frame 1 and is provided at its front side with an opening 6. The pouch 5 is provided about its upper edge with a oontractible element 7 which may draw snugly around the base of the scrotum. The pouch 5 is adapted to receive and support thescrotum. If necessary a strap or band (not shown) or the articles of apparel of the wearer may be relied upon to hold the frame 1 in position against the body when applied.

From the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing ,it will be seen that a hernia support of simple and durable structure is provided and that the same may be easily and quickly applied or removed, and when in position will add materially to the comfort of the person wearing the same.

Having described the invention what is claimed is A hernia support comprising a resilient U-shaped frame adapted to snugly receive the scrotum, the ends of the sides of the frame being spaced from each other for a distance which isless than the distance between the intermediate parts of the sides of the frame, the said frame having at the ends of its sides outstanding extremities and pads mounted on the extremities and adapted to bear against the inguinal canal when the support is applied to the scrotum.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM BUTTERLY.

Witnesses:

M. E. LAUGHLIN, Gno. A. BYRNE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

